IN CONVERSATION

QWhat have been some recent initiatives undertaken toward DEWA’s strategic directions?

In line with our commitment to keeping pace with the government plans and strategies that aim to achieve net-zero by 2050 and the UAE’s efforts to promote circular economy, we have updated our strategic plan, adding achieving net-zero by 2050 to our vision DEWA’s new vision now is “A globally leading sustainable innovative corporation committed to achieving net-zero by 2050 ”

We are organising the first Middle East and North Africa Solar Conference 2023 (MENA-SC), from 15 to 18 November 2023 MENA-SC is the first scientific and technical conference of its kind in the region that specialises in photovoltaic systems. Researchers will focus on a wide range of topics, including unconventional and new concepts for future technologies; silicon photovoltaic materials and devices; Perovskite and organic materials and solar cells; PV module and system reliability in MENA region; solar resources for PV and forecasting; and power electronics and grid integration MENA-SC will be held in conjunction with the Water, Energy, Technology, and Environment Exhibition (WETEX) and the Dubai Solar Show (DSS) 2023 DEWA organises this largest exhibition for water, energy, sustainability and innovation technologies in the region and one of the largest specialised exhibitions in the world Holding the two events simultaneously is an additional momentum to gather all global decision-makers, officials, and researchers to showcase the latest innovative technologies, practices and experiments in sustainability and renewable and clean energy

The presence of the Middle East and North Africa region on the global sustainability agenda continues to grow The region is witnessing significant momentum in accelerating climate action and strengthening bridges of international cooperation to mitigate the repercussions of climate change. This can be seen from the hosting of the 27th Conference of the Parties (COP 27) in November 2022 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, and preparations of the UAE to host COP 28 in Dubai Expo City in November 2023, which will accelerate the pace of climate action to combat climate change and global warming Choosing the two countries to host COP 27 and COP 28 marks the beginning of a series of regional events that will last for 18 months, placing the Arab world at the centre of global activities in mitigating climate change

QTell us about the Green Hydrogen focus at DEWA.

Innovative technologies to produce green hydrogen using clean and renewable energy are witnessing rapid developments and steady progress Studies indicate that green hydrogen production will increase by 57% annually to reach 5.7 million tonnes in 2030. The UAE aims to acquire 25% of the low-carbon hydrogen market, which is expected to reach more than USD 400 billion The green hydrogen project implemented by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, is a key project in supporting the UAE’s efforts to achieve global competitiveness in the green hydrogen market This pilot project, which covers an area of about 10,000 square metres, has been designed and built to be able to accommodate future applications and test platforms for various uses of hydrogen, including energy production and transportation

Our Green Hydrogen project aligns with Dubai’s commitment to sustainability and its support for energy and climate change issues It also supports the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to turn Dubai into a carbon-neutral economy by 2050, as well as DEWA’s strategy to diversify energy sources and increase investment by supporting innovation and research and development in energy storage technologies This includes green hydrogen, which some describe as the ‘Fuel of the Future’ and will play an important role in the global energy mix and in combating the effects of global warming The project supports the UAE Hydrogen Leadership Roadmap, which is a major driver for providing future solutions to climate change challenges and achieving the UAE’s leadership in hydrogen we are also developing a road map and an ambitious strategy for the green hydrogen, which represents one of the pillars of a sustainable future that depends on accelerating the transition to carbon neutrality to support a green economy The objectives are to create energy storage facilities, develop the green mobility sector, and reduce carbon emissions from various industries, as well as generating electrical and thermal energy, producing water and other applications.